NEW!"Anyone who ever meets you and experiences your deep and gentle soul and wonderful teaching skills knows how true this is. You are one in a million.
-ES

NEW! "Abbey has inspired me and given me hope. The more I read on Abbey's website, the more I knew I had to meet her and take a workshop with her. Since the workshop, her words and instruction have restored confidence in me. No one on earth could ever ask for more! I felt such peace while taking her class -- Abbey set such a wonderful tone for the workshop. Since the workshop, the best changes I have noticed have been mentally, emotionally and spiritually. I want to enjoy the process and now know how to honor the creative part of me that has been dormant too long. After just one day, Abbey made such a difference in my life and I'm sure soooooo many more. I thank Abbey from the bottom of my heart for sharing her gift so beautifully and being the sweet and generous person that she is."
-ES

NEW! "Abbey's approach has been life changing for me. Her limited palette, relaxed attitude and the ability to emotionally connect with her subject right away and stay with that connection was eye opening. Abbey was very open in sharing her information during the demonstration and her personal input into my painting was so much appreciated. I feel I have a new perspective. This was the best gift I could give myself and I will most definitely recommend this to all my artist friends."
-NW

NEW! "I've taken three of Abbey's workshops, all in Sedona. They have all been a wonderful experience. Initially, I took Abbey's workshop because of my frustration about wanting to paint but not knowing how to get started and really connect with the process. Abbey's workshops are so productive in terms of what one can absorb and accomplish in a short amount of time. I was initially attracted to her workshop because of an interest in the 'Painting a Day' concept and the smaller scale of the work seemed manageable for a beginner.
I love taking her workshops because I feel that I can connect with what and how Abbey is teaching because of the the honoring way in which Abbey coaches the students through their challenges and roadblocks -- which I find so supportive to my particular process. Abbey creates a safe, inspiring learning environment.
Before I signed up for the workshop, I was worried that as a beginner, I wouldn't be able to keep up. At first I felt a little intimidated, but because Abbey works with people on the level that they are at, she made me feel that none of that mattered and I was able to focus more on what I wanted to get out of the class.
I have to admit that the idea that Abbey was in O Magazine caught my attention as well as her spots on TV shows etc. But to tell you the truth, I just had a feeling when I studied Abbey's paintings and watched her demos that pulled me in. Watching Abbey's video demonstrations on line where fascinating to me and convinced me that she was the teacher for me.
What I liked best about the workshop was watching Abbey paint, personal instruction, the supportive, creative atmosphere that she creates during the week!"
-DC

NEW! "Having experienced Sedona last year, I came back because I knew Abbey would be able to easily articulate any difficulties I may have and help me to solve them.
I tend to get overwhelmed with so many choices, and Abbey always brings me back to the fundamentals: the joy of painting, realism, color, the tactile joy of putting brush to canvas - all those myriad of elements that merge in my brain to create something I can be proud of.
Abbey's calm demeanor and sincerity are not something described in her workshop description, but they are of immense value to me. And they're such rare qualities in an instructor!
Abbey remove her ego from the process. She is an excellent listener; and in my experience most people just want to be heard and their anxieties about painting recognized, so they can then put them away. Abbey respects other's opinions. She is incredibly generous with her knowledge about technique and processes. All of these qualities set Abbey far apart from other presenters and workshops I've attended.
Since Sedona, I'm not afraid to put my art out there for sale, which says a lot about my confidence. I've met some super people that I will continue to stay in contact with. Abbey is consistently intelligent, generous and funny (yes, funny is important to me!)
Also, I'm much more positive, confident and quick about it than I used to be. I guess that's called learning and practice! Watching and learning from Abbey, for the first time I can honestly say I love the challenge of color and finally may be starting to 'get' it. This, after years of thinking I was a lousy colorist!
Abbey makes me feel like I can find my own way. That's priceless."
-CT

NEW! "My painting is a work-in-progress, and I'm enjoying the learning process. It is my passion. Abbey's individual instruction and comments allow me to see the areas in my painting that need the most work. I value and appreciate her constructive criticism. This was my third workshop, and I can honestly say that I learn new things with each workshop. It is amazing.
I'm a visual learner, so Abbey's incredible demos are my favorite facet of the workshop.
I have attended several other workshops, but most use artificial lighting for still life work. Abbey was the first artist to recommend using only natural light, and it has made such a difference. Also, the Sedona Art Center provides the perfect forum for studying the nuances of working with natural light."
-DM

NEW! "I have been painting for many years and am most interested in the experience of painting. In other words, I am fascinated by choosing subjects, seeing if I can get a little conversation out of them, working with oils, being fascinated by the way color has its own life, etc. The frustration of working in the studio in a vacuum inspired me to work with Abbey. I admire her work, I love to watch the development of her paintings, and having gone to the Sedona workshop last year, I felt I would benefit from her critiques and example.

Abbey's workshop is excellent on several levels. Mostly it has to do with how she feels about teaching. By example, the demonstration is repeated 5 times, and it is clear that she is fluent in describing what she does, as she demos it, and simultaneously answers questions from the students. Next, as we all paint, she spends each day visiting ALL of the students, painting with us, commenting on composition, use of paint, making (great!!!) color suggestions. At the end of the workshop, I felt Abbey had given me valuable and usable information. I might also add, that the fellow artists who took this class were just wonderful people and I completely enjoyed the opportunity to meet them and paint with them.

The benefit of a good workshop is to go home and want to paint. I do that and feel like I am using my time well and feel very lucky to have this experience.

I would recommend Abbey's workshop to anyone who would like to spend serious time painting, anyone who would like to demystify the process, anyone who needs to take their painting to the next level.
Abbey's workshops are excellent."
-JW

NEW! "My biggest struggle is making painting and drawing a priority in my life and learning how to carve out chunks of studio time. I really appreciated witnessing Abbey's process, and what I liked best about the workshop was her amazing, gorgeous paintings, and her approach to painting as a daily spiritual practice. I LOVED the entire format and the tone of the workshop -- it was a calm, relaxed, supportive, inspirational, and productive atmosphere. Everyone seemed to be there to learn and work. The Sedona landscape was spectacular, too! Can't wait to do it again!!!"
-AS

NEW! "Abbey has a rare talent -- that of a gifted painter and teacher. I gained so much from watching her meticulously set up her still life, while describing the importance of placement and light. Her demos were invaluable -- explaining everything from materials to process -- and the outcome magical. I loved Abbey's wonderful energy and the overall ambiance of this workshop -- peaceful, creative, supportive, and challenging all at the same time. I am so thankful so have had the opportunity to meet and work with this amazing artist."
-SG

NEW! "I found Abbey to be one of the most sharing and giving, as well as talented, of any instructor I've ever had."
-AF

NEW! "I loved how Abbey speaks about painting and the objects that we choose in mindfulness terms. So true -- just never thought about it that way. Abbey speaks beautifully and kindly to all, and I loved that. I also just enjoy being with a group of people who have the same interest that I do."
-SE

NEW! "The best part of the workshop was exposure to Abbey's process. I think Abbey is a very good communicator––whether discussing technique or philosophy of painting––I think Abbey would bring value to anyone’s experience––novice or advanced. "
-JK

"Abbey is an excellent instructor. She is more than a 10."
-EP, Yardley, PA

"Abbey is a great teacher with unsurpassed talent and sensitivity. Not only is she an extraordinary artist who can direct and mentor her students, but also she is a creator of welcome, positive, creativity-engendering space in which to share her experience. This ability helps to put her students at ease and helps them to get psyched for their own painting endeavors."
-SD

"The best part of the workshop I think was the reminder/realization that I don't need to spend weeks on paintings. Simple, one-day efforts make so much sense. I love how Abbey keeps everything simple. From her philosophy on not "reinventing the wheel" every time you sit down to paint and her personal approaches to life, meditation, etc. I liked being reminded that it is possible to un-complicate your world."
-MP

NEW! "The best experiences about the workshop experience were: watching Abbey paint, the serenity and shared experience of painting with everyone there, and the permission to immerse myself in the experience and community. I loved the energy.And of course Abbey is simply awesome. When an instructor can show one or two things to a student that improves their work, something the student can take away with them well, what more can you ask for?"
-GK

"Somehow Abbey manages to paint and describe her process at the same time. We learned a great deal observing her technique and hearing explanations as she worked.

Abbey is a soulful and supportive teacher who clearly wants to help her students grow as artists. She spent time with each participant individually, identifying each person's strengths as well as offering suggestions."
-DL

"...I am still thinking about Abbey's magical brushwork, and I will forever. If you have a chance to attend one of her workshops, please do. Her incredible talent, gentle nature and fun sense of humor make for an unforgettable experience. It was a great week!"
-DM

"The best part of the workshop is watching Abbey paint. Abbey is a sensitive person with a simple and honest approach to producing artwork. I have been generally disappointed in workshops that I have attended, but Abbey's workshops, especially the one in Sedona, were different in that it really changed my approach to painting."
-BV

"Since Abbey's workshop, I have learned to be more patient with myself and my color mixing and having a more positive inner voice when I paint. Abbey's philosophies about painting and life and how they are interconnected are present in the back of my mind when I paint.

I am primarily self-taught, so taking her workshop gave me great new information and fueled my creative energy at a time when I was feeling stuck. I liked the color mixing education that I got from the workshop. Abbey really took her time when mixing colors, incorporating several colors into each paint mix and I found that helpful to learn.

Abbey is a thoughtful teacher who provides a lot of philosophy and supportiveness to her students. Her dedication to education is evident. I found so many things that Abbey said in both the demo and individual instruction to be very helpful and will make me a better painter!"
-JCB

"I loved the Sedona workshop and I loved learning from Abbey. She is a gifted teacher, and I made my living as a teacher, so I know! Watching Abbey paint was an inspiration I will always carry with me, and I treasured being able to see a fabulous painting emerge every day. As for my painting, I am going to explore oils again, explore still life and take more seriously the art of respecting the subject and materials in their time and place. It is the message I carried home.

Abbey's demonstrations are key. Seeing a painting develop and finish with commentary, and with a patient painter who encourages questions, is a privilege. Much can be learned by watching. It is also inspiring. Seeing someone paint makes me want to go home and paint like crazy.

Abbey's workshop has given me a re-boot. I have been doing the same thing for 3 years and I want to improve my 'painting' ability and composition building. Having demonstrations, fellow students and direct instructor feedback has helped me re-think my approach. I truly appreciated the other students as well. What a great group of people/painters.

Also, Sedona is a beautiful location and with nothing else to do but paint, learn, watch, and talk art -- it's one of the best uses of time I can think of.

Abbey is a remarkable painter and a gifted teacher."
-JW

"Abbey's workshop was just great. I had many apprehensions about driving so far for a workshop. To tell the truth, it was going to be my last workshop if it had been a "dud" -- but it was far from a "dud"-- it was exciting and very worthwhile. I found Abbey's instruction explained her work so thoroughly that I was able to grasp what she was doing and apply it to how I paint. I cannot recommend many workshops, but I would definitely recommend Abbey's to anyone who is interested in painting still life from life. Every aspect was very enjoyable. Abbey is a wonderful person and a joy to learn from."
-MH

"Abbey is really so very accomplished... it was very special to meet her and be a part of the experience of watching her while teaching... amazing what the end result was! To talk and paint at the same time is quite a skill!"
-PW

"In one to one discussions, Abbey has a wonderful way of communicating the things that are working and making suggestions. She is an excellent instructor, sharing so much information not only about HOW she does things but WHY. Also, working in the Peto Museum and studio was AWESOME! There is definitely a sense of creative energy there. It was inspiring to see the ordinary objects that Peto turned into such beautiful paintings."
-DL

NEW! "The best part of the workshop was the one on one time with Abbey. Typically, I find it difficult to get serious, specific, actionable feedback. Abbey's comments are truly constructive critic and I sincerely feel she is "on my team" and wants me to succeed.

I loved the refreshed enthusiasm from the workshop; it was very encouraging. I enjoyed being in the presence of so many talented people and just talking and listening about our art. I think Abbey does a wonderful job. Even the class size is perfect.

Abbey is a great talent as an artist and as a communicator."
-RP

NEW!"I gain an enormous amount from consideration of her spiritual approach to life and her painting. This is the strength of Abbey's workshops."
-JCD, Yardley, PA

"Abbey's self effacing demeanor combined with her passion for painting makes her endearing indeed. I have resisted joining Facebook for reasons too long to list here but Abbey's offer to be part of her private Painters Collective group might actually make me change my mind! I will definitely consider joining and will continue to follow her on both eBay and her blog. I have always been her fan but now that I know what a lovely person she is, I have an even greater appreciation for her work... so much of her personality is in each painting. Her demos were invaluable. The students at her college are blessed to have her; Abbey is a natural in any classroom or studio. I am just sorry that I will not be able to participate in her AOY workshop in September, I am already committed that weekend. I am starting to formulate a way to incorporate her teaching and painting method into my smaller studio classes next year."
-CO, Morristown, NJ

"Abbey is so generous with her knowledge and feedback. I have to say my favorite part was the look on her face when she saw my asparagus and garlic painting! I appreciate that Abbey created a quiet energy that allowed us to absorb everything you were showing and telling us. Her demos are so valuable to watch as they come alive right before our eyes... seriously I could see that happening in the first five strokes!"
-RB, Shady Side, MD

"We enjoyed the workshop immensely. What a great spot, and Abbey is a wonderful teacher."
-TM and JM, Lutherville, MD

"She was outstanding. It was wonderful and I would like to take another Abbey Ryan workshop again!" Q: Would you take another workshop from this instructor? A: "The sooner the better, should I send you my deposit?"
-NA, Yardley, PA

"Abbey's workshop was beyond what I expected and have experienced with other workshops. She was not only thoroughly prepared and a consummate professional, but Abbey really seemed to enjoy the teaching aspect of the workshop which really came through in her demo."
-CO, Morristown, NJ

"The workshop lived up to your expectations and more. I enjoyed watching her paint and also enjoyed her lecture on how to market yourself and get to know who your audience is."
-DM, Yardley, PA

"My painting process has improved; I have less inhibition about starting a piece. Now my work is less muddied and has a more direct feel. My favorite part was one-on-one time. I felt Abbey was completely present and committed to helping me become a better painter. Her suggestions were concrete and actionable. I appreciated her constructive criticism and at the same time felt supported and taken "seriously" at my level. I feel Abbey helped me get through a long plateau in my work, and see forward to the next level."
-RP, Peto Museum, NJ

"Abbey is a great teacher and a good person to boot! I really enjoyed her philosophy of art and feel I learned enormously from her. I am happy with my paintings and my progress."
-CK, Scottsdale, AZ

"Abbey is a terrific teacher. Her students are lucky."
-PD, Sedona, AZ

"Loved the workshop. Thank you for your time and sharing with everyone your talents. I ended coming home and wanting to finish what I started."
-CK, Sykesville, MD

"Abbey is a great inspiration to me and I aspire to paint more often as she does. Resistance is my biggest issue and laziness, time to get my act together! I hope to run into Abbey in the near future. Thanks for a great workshop, Abbey is a very patient and informative speaker and teacher."
-DM, Yardley, PA

"Thank you for the opportunity to work with an outstanding artist. I appreciate the small class size, so that we all had time with Abbey for critiques and feedback."
-DW, Medford, NJ

"Thank you for a great workshop! It was very enjoyable despite my struggles with oils. I appreciate her willingness to answer questions and share techniques and knowledge with me. It was a great treat to watch her demo from start to finish."
-MC, Langhorne, PA